As originally featured in Decision Marketing.
Swiss herbal sweet and tea brand Ricola, which markets soothing drinks and cough drop ranges, is aiming to bolster its presence in the UK market with the appointment of independent media shop The Kite Factory.
The family-owned company exports over 60 different specialist herbal products from its facility in Laufen, Switzerland, to more than 45 countries in Europe, Asia and North & South America. Its largest markets are currently the USA, Germany, France, Italy and – perhaps unsurprisingly – Switzerland.
Following a period of impressive worldwide growth, Ricola has awarded The Kite Factory its media planning and buying account and tasked the agency with establishing the brand as a main player within the herbal tea and herbal cough remedy categories.
Launched in 1930 by the Richterich family, Ricola employs 400 workers and around 200 independent production companies in the surrounding area service the company. It has regional offices in the UK, the US, Italy and Asia.
Ricola UK managing director and vice president UK & Eire Andy Richman said: “With all the exciting plans we are working on for 2024 and beyond, we are delighted to be partnering with a business that not only shares our values but has a track record of delivering ‘awareness in the mind’ for its clients. I for one can’t wait to see the results of all our hard work.”
The Kite Factory head of client services Anthony Abou-Zeid added: “The prospect of working with new clients is always exciting but when you get the opportunity to work with such an established brand in their space, it makes it all the more special. Ricola have got some very exciting growth ambitions in the UK, and we’re thrilled to be part of that journey.”